A heartfelt thank-you to John McKenna’s daughter, Patricia Salo, and her brother, Tim for carefully preserving, scanning, and sharing these incredible photos from their dad’s service with the 743rd Railway Operating Battalion in Europe. Families like Patricia’s—who safeguard their soldiers’ memorabilia and choose to share it—bring history to life for those of us who only know we had a railroader in the family but have no photos or records of our own.

When I began this research over 40 years ago, I had the privilege of getting to know many of these men personally. They would be so proud to see their stories preserved and remembered today.

And on a personal note—my own dad also served in the 743rd.

She wrote " I thought it important to let you know that my brother and I have found a veritable treasure trove of pictures from WWII that our father, Master Sergeant John M McKenna left us when he passed in 1995. We were just recently going through boxes and found many many pictures from his time of service with the army" 

This great photo album was passed around through various unit members many years ago, see the little note at end of photos for more informtion. https://photos.app.goo.gl/te3g9XkR5W1Ckq9fA

Thanks to Tom for sharing these great photos of his dad, Michael Walter Matlosz. 

Obituaries: Michael W Matlosz, 77 Jersey Journal, The (Jersey City, NJ) - Wednesday, July 14, 1999 

Mass for Michael W. Matlosz, 77, a lifelong resident of Bayonne, will be Friday at 9 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, Bayonne. He died Monday in St. Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston. Matlosz was an Army veteran of World War II. He was received the Asiatic Pacific Theatre Ribbon with two Campaign Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Battle Star, and the Meritorious Unit Plaque. Matlosz was a chemical operator for Allied Chemical Corp., Elizabeth, for 22 years, retiring 13 years ago. 

He was a member of F.A. Mackenzie American Legion Post 165, Bayonne. Surviving are his wife, Nellie T.; two sons, Michael Mark and Thomas K.; two daughters, Maureen M. and Debbie D. Kocher; a sister, Jean Jadlowski; a brother, John; and five grandchildren. Dworzanski & Son Funeral Home, Bayonne, is in charge.

Thanks so much to his son Eric and other family members for sharing these amazing photos ! 

 March 1943. "Clovis, New Mexico. Private Clarence Stephens of Streator, Illinois, a member of the U.S. Army Railroad Battalion stationed at Clovis, with Sidney Mack, engine inspector at the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad shops. They are inspecting one of the 5000 Class freight engines." Acetate negative by Jack Delano, Office of War Information

Probably the 713th---The 713th Railway Operating Battalion was formed on March 12, 1942, and consisted entirely of men who worked for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad. Their job was to clear, repair, and build military railways as well as operate the trains.

The 713th, known as the “Santa Fe Battalion”, formed at Camp Clovis, New Mexico, and after initial military training was sent to Camp Dix, New Jersey, on January 21, 1943. The unit was first sent to North Africa where in seven months they transported 500,000 tons of cargo in 47,255 rail cars. The 713th went from North Africa to Italy and then on to Southern France. They ended the war in 1945 serving in Western Germany.